Yes, Catios — Also Known As Cat Patios — Are a Thing

These backyard spaces are the cat's meow.

By Rori Kotch, House Beautiful

Cats
love to be outside, but letting them roam around on their own can lead
to the possibility of your feline friend getting dirty, lost, or worse,
hurt. The latest solution? The catio (a patio, for cats — get it?) for
Whiskers: an enclosed backyard space that allows him to run around or
take a nap, filled with scratching posts, shelves, stairs, and maybe
even a plant or two.

If
you're a cat owner who struggles with letting your cat roam outdoors, a
catio is the best of both worlds: cats can safely enjoy the fresh air
while owners have peace of mind knowing their cats are protected.

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Intrigued by the idea? Seattle-based Catio Spaces specializes in designing and building custom catios in the Seattle area.

But
if you're willing to build your own, Catio Spaces also sells four
different DIY catio plans ranging in price from $40 to $70.

[post_ads]While
some of these catios are simple window box-like spaces, others are
incredibly elaborate, featuring several stories or tunnels connecting
multiple structures to maximize feline freedom.

If
the prospect of a custom catio sounds pricey, catio advocates argue
that if you live in an area near a busy road or around predators like
coyotes, it can save on vet bills in the long run.